Looking for a fun DIY side table project? Here’s an easy DIY side table project made with contact paper and paint.

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Did you think I forgot about the Gatehouse?

Never.

I mean….I had that whole post about it and talked all about how I was decorating it and promised you amazing reveals and hot pink and zinc and tables and chairs and rugs and lights that look like space ships.

And then I never said another word.

*sigh*

I got a little sidetracked….with this room and this room and this room.

No worries.

The light fixtures have arrived and the black and white awnings for the outside are here and I’ve finished this DIY side table project…..and I am officially back on track. 🙂

So today….here’s what I have been working on for the Gatehouse…

….contact paper has never looked so good. 🙂

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DIY Side Table Project

3M TEKK Safety Products

Supplies

$5 yard sale side table

electric sander

sandpaper

Safety Respirator

contact paper

compass

pencil

Tutti Frutti pink paint

karianne-project

Step 1:  Put on safety gear and sand table

The goal is to remove the old finish so the paint will adhere to the table.

I used 3M TEKK Digital Work Tunes Hearing Protector and safety eyewear while I sanded.

Sanding with 60 grit sandpaper is so much better wearing red lipstick.

edited to add:  3M also has a great paint/sanding respirator!  Cover up that red lipstick with a paint/sanding respirator.

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Step 2:  Prime table for DIY side table project

After I finished sanding, I applied spray primer to the table.

Then let it dry according to directions.

Step 3:  Sand primer

Using 120 grit sandpaper., and the primer to remove the rough finish.

Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove any residue from the surface.

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Step 4:  Paint table

Apply two coats of paint to the table.

Let dry in between coats according to directions.

side-table-DIY

Step 5:  Cut out a rectangle of contact paper

Measure top of table and cut a rectangle of contact paper to fit.

I cut mine just a little larger to make sure it covered all the sides.

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Step 6:  Cut out a circle out of contact paper

I measured and planned eight circles for the top.

I made the circles with a compass.  I traced the outside circle and then traced the inside circle to create a ring.

Trace the circles in the pattern you want onto the BACK of the contact paper.

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Step 7:  Connect the rings

Using a ruler, connect the rings together to complete the pattern.

You can use the lines on the back of the contact paper as a guide.

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Step 7:  Cut out pattern for DIY side table project

Using sharp scissors or a utility knife, cut out the pattern from the contact paper.

Remove backing and center on the top of for the DIY side table project.

Smooth out all wrinkles.

DIY-side-table-decorating-project

I created a pattern with circles to go with the Gatehouse.

But what about squares or triangles or a trellis or diamonds.

So many possibilities and so little time.

All you need is contact paper, paint, a $5 yard sale table….

….and a little imagination. 🙂

PS I’ve saved even more projects just like this here.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: July 2, 2013

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  2. Image for Cheryl Cheryl

    What an awesome transformation! And, what a deal you got on that table! I love it! It's so cute! I like your step by step too that included "red lipstick". lol :-)

    Reply
  3. Image for Susan M. Susan M.

    Unfortunately, my skin tone is such that I can't wear red lipstick. Do you think that as long as I strictly follow the rest of the instructions, I could get my little table to look as cute? :) Can't wait to see all the happenings at the Gatehouse!

    Reply
  6. Image for Gee Gee

    AAAhhh the gatehouse. I have been waiting for the pops of colour to start to fly, and boy... I am glad I did. Nice hot pop of pink. Sexy safety gear there lady :-) Works perfectly with the red lipstick. Hugs, Gee

    Reply
  9. Image for Jennifer Jennifer

    The pink table is absolutely wonderful!! I have a couple of teenage daughters who would flip over it! What a super cute idea! Thanks for sharing how easy it was to make!!

    Reply
  12. Image for Regina Regina

    Gorgeous, as usual! :) Contact paper is such a useful product, I don't know why I don't use it more! But my favorite? The red lipstick . . . Have a wonderfully COOL day, Sweet Lady!

    Reply
  13. Image for Angela Angela

    You really rocked that eyewear and headset! The red lipstick sent it over the top!! Wonderful little table....you never cease to amaze me! LOL~~Angela

    Reply
  14. Image for martha martha

    I am so impressed you were able to pull the backing off the contact paper without it all sticking together and tearing when you try to get it apart. Is there a secret to achieving this???? Maybe two people so you have 4 hands working?? Anyway, it looks great and what a fun thing to do to a tired old side table.

    Reply
  18. Image for Sheryll & Critters. Sheryll & Critters.

    Wow, that table turned out just fabulous! I wish I had someplace to put that color of pink in my house. I have a feeling I could never get the contact paper on the table without a huge mess. Red lipstick is definitely your color..... wish I could look that good in any lipstick.

    Reply
  22. Image for Michele/Finch Rest Michele/Finch Rest

    Oh, KA - isn't that just the brightest most funnest thing ever? Cute post. Cute lady wearing red lipstick and cute cute cute sander-fella! Love the table - the gatehouse? Cannot even stand the wait!!

    Reply
  23. Image for Gwen Gwen

    I'm very very impressed with your ability to work with contact paper or is it easier than it was 35 years ago when I used it all over the place and struggled with wrinkles I'd smooth by popping with a pin and carefully smoothing???

    Reply
  24. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    It's the lipstick...has to be the lipstick!! Cute table reminds me of a pink polka dot dress I had when I was ten or so...same shade of pink...always felt special in that dress. Red lipstick! That's your inspiration! ;)

    Reply
  27. Image for tara tara

    your red lipstick is your signature look...and it suits you perfectly. :) the table is darling. can't wait to see more of the gatehouse.

    Reply
  28. Image for Margo Margo

    What color name and brand of paint did you use for the hot pink? Spray paint or brush on? The table turned out awesome. Great idea with the contact paper. Have a Blessed Day :)

    Reply
  29. Image for shirley@housepitalitydesigns shirley@housepitalitydesigns

    My hubby uses those great 3M glasses!...and need to get those great work tunes hearing protectors too!...the table looks great...gotta love that contact paper!...

    Reply
  33. Image for Kate Avery Kate Avery

    Sooo. I saw your post- realized those headphones are exactly what I need for when I sand, and promptly ordered them! Quick question though- don't you wear a respirator or at least a dust mask when you sand?

    Reply
  37. Image for Diane Diane

    Love the red lipstick, oops, love the table too! What I really love is your sense of humor and writing style. Your table turned out gorgeous too, that hot pink is amazing! ~Diane

    Reply

Comments are closed.